The development of the Green Spaces Strategy

The Green Spaces Strategy was developed through a number of stages, which can be summarised as:

• An audit of the existing green spaces and their associated facilities.
• Mapping of the audit findings onto a computer based mapping system (GIS)
• Consultation with stakeholders.
• Consultation via a household survey.
• Review of the existing policies and strategies, including the planning policies.
• Comparison with other local authorities and any relevant 'national standards'.
• Identification of surpluses and deficiencies and development of local standards.
• Testing and revision as necessary of the proposed 'local standards'.
• Consideration of other policy objectives, including those relating to conservation measures.
• Development of a comprehensive Green Infrastructure Plan, which is a long term vision.
• Development of an Implementation Plan that sets out the actions necessary to achieve both the vision and the local standards.

The Strategy satisfies the requirement of Planning Policy Guidance Note 17: Planning for Open Space, Sport and Recreation and is companion guide Assessing Needs and Opportunities.

The strategy was adopted following the resolution of the Council's Cabinet on 26 August 2006

The full Green Spaces Strategy Report is made up of the following sections:

• Executive Summary which highlights the main points of the Draft Green Space Strategy report
• Part 1 of the Green Spaces Strategy includes the vision, the background against which the Strategy has been developed, details of the methodology and the issues arising from the household survey.
• Part 2, the Green Space Infrastructure Plan comprises: the hierarchy of parks and green spaces; strategic links, informal and wildlife sites; and, sites with specific local standards. The Plan provides a structure for the network of green spaces, features and facilities, which will help to deliver Solihull's vision and the policy principles behind the corporate priorities for Solihull. It brings together the specific local standards for green spaces for facilities such as children's play and allotments, into a wider framework.

The strategy is supported by the audit of the green space in the Borough and by a number of technical appendices, these can be viewed by following the links in the Related Articles below.